Oklahoma families burying loved ones facing tough decisions due to COVID-19

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Many Oklahoma families are now facing a tough decision.

Do they have a funeral for their loved one who passed away with fewer people or do they wait until COVID-19 has passed?

“Now this is how we can help each other in so many ways,” said Martha Mosier.

The idea that she may be helping other people out there is giving Mosier strength after her husband passed away.

“We were married 40 years,” said Mosier, talking about her husband, Ed.

“He said, after my funeral, I want y’all to have a huge barbecue, because he used to cook brisket through the church for people,” said Mosier.

But the celebration of life she was planning for Ed won’t be happening soon because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“I can’t remember a time when we had to limit the size of gatherings that we can have, that’s something we’re adapting to,” said Dr. Joe Moore, the president of Moore Funeral Homes.

Moore said many families are making the difficult decision to postpone funerals or have smaller ones without all their loved ones.

“We don’t know how long it’s going to go on, so we don’t , we don’t really can’t plan for that,” said Moore, talking about a potential backlog of funerals.

He said, right now, they’re offering funerals over the internet or even visitations that last two days so people can trickle in.

Though she understands the changes that are meant to keep everyone safe, it still a bit hard for Mosier.

“I imagine, especially right now, a hug would mean a lot,” said KTUL reporter, Maureen Wurtz.

“Yes it would, it would,” said Mosier.

Instead of a hug, Mosier said she’ll offer a reminder to other folks like her.

Her message: have hope and remember you’re not along.

“Rely on that until they can get to the point where people can hug their necks,” said Mosier.